Small Dose of Italian Culture #27

Welcome to the 27th edition of Small Dose of Italian Culture! I recently changed the name from Weekly Dose to Small Dose; I’ve fallen a bit behind the weekly schedule due to personal circumstances, and this new title feels like a better fit. But fear not! Now that I’ve wrapped up my in-person Italian course, I’ll have more time to dedicate to this series and other Italian content for the site.

Italian Movie

Natale in casa Cupiello (1977, Christmas at the Cupiello’s) is a Neapolitan film adapted from the play of the same name. It was directed, written, and performed by Eduardo De Filippo, a true icon in Naples.

The movie offers a tragicomic portrayal of a typical Neapolitan family in the early 20th century.

It’s admittedly a challenging watch for non-native Italian speakers; not just because of the language (many lines are in Neapolitan dialect), but also due to the cultural context. Still, it’s a worthwhile effort, offering unique insight into Southern Italian life at the time.

Italian Song

The song of the week is L’anno che verrà by the late Lucio Dalla. This iconic ballad opens with the unforgettable line, “Caro amico, ti scrivo, così mi distraggo un po’” (“Dear friend, I’m writing to you, to distract myself a little”). It’s a nostalgic and heartfelt reflection on the hope for a better future, written during the turbulent years of domestic terrorism in Italy.

Famous Italian

The Italian of the week is Alberto Castagna (1945 — 2005), a beloved TV presenter and journalist who was a household name in Italy. Sadly, he passed away at just 59 due to an internal hemorrhage.

His death was announced during the Sanremo Festival, shocking millions of Italians.

Alberto Castagna with his “Telegatto” (an Italian TV award)

Pop Moment

Alberto Castagna is best remembered for his TV show Stranamore, where estranged lovers tried to rekindle their romance through heartfelt video messages. Alberto would deliver these messages personally, traveling across Italy in his iconic camper. The show was wildly popular in the ’90s.

Sometimes, couples would reconcile in touching moments. Other times, the desperate Hail Mary would backfire spectacularly, revealing infidelity or even past abuse on national television. It was a bit trashy, sure, but undeniably entertaining.

Italian Landmark